Pope's Lamborghini sells for $1.23million

The pontiff's new special edition Huracan sports car was auctioned off at Sotheby's to raise money for charities that help Christians.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) will use part of the funds to help with its work rebuilding Christian settlements on the Nineveh Plains destroyed by Islamic State (IS).

Amici per il Centrafrica Onlus (a world poverty lay association), Groupe International Chirurgiens Amis de la Main (a foundation supporting various nations in Africa and Asia) and the Pope John XXIII Community Association will also receive some of the raised cash.

The sleek, luxury white car with yellow-gold markings has Pope Francis' signature on the bonnet.

It had a pre-auction speculation expected of $430,000-$600,000.

Alfredo Mantovano and Alessandro Monteduro, president and director of ACN (Italy), said in a statement: "We have thanked the Holy Father and assured him that we will use his gift well - by bringing thousands more Christians back to Nineveh."

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